Apparatus for physical training of persons

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for increasing blood flow to the skin of a person using the apparatus for regeneration of skin and digestion of adipose cells without causing an increase of gravity effects on the person. The apparatus comprises a work-out device to be actuated with the legs, which is enclosed by an air-tight housing. The housing in the waist area encloses the person. The apparatus further comprises a device for the production of a differential pressure in said housing, which is arranged so as to alternatingly produce a pressure reduction and a pressure increase in the housing. Within said housing, a support means is arranged to take the body weight off the legs of the person and to enable to separately control the effects of adipose cell digestion due to low pressure stimulation and the effects on the cardiovascular system by the work-out device.

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/818,999, filed Mar. 28, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/164,361, filed Oct. 1, 1988, nowabandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for increasing blood flowto the skin of a person using the apparatus for regeneration of skin anddigestion of adipose cells without causing an increase of gravityeffects on the person.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus of this kind is for instance known from EP 0 906 774.Different exercises can be performed and therapeutical concepts can berealized by means of the known apparatus. The vacuum that acts on thelower body half of the person during operation of the apparatus has astimulating effect, wherein in particular the blood circulation of theskin is supported. Thus, an aimed reduction of the body tissue can forinstance be achieved. The therapeutical effect can be adapted to therespective needs by adjusting the vacuum, possibly also by a temporarilyapplied overpressure, by the physical load of the person through theworking apparatus and by the air conditioning of the chamber. Thetherapeutical effect is achieved through the reduced pressure in thechamber acting on the skin tissue.

Although the known apparatus supplies favorable results and can be usedin a plurality of indications, the need for an ever more selectiveapplication possibility arose.

A training apparatus comprising a treadmill is known from U.S. Pat. No.5,133,339, which is in particular determined for the use in zerogravity. Since the vacuum in the apparatus determines the effectiveweight of the person onto the treadmill, the limits especially in therange of low specific load are tight. The apparatus can be used fortraining and for rehabilitation, since an exercise of the muscoskeletaltissue is possible in this case so that a growth of the muscular andbone mass is enhanced. The U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,339 relies solely on thetraining effect which is achieved by standing up or walking in thelow-pressure chamber: Without standing up or walking, the gravity effecton the legs cannot be simulated. The device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,339is disadvantageous, because it puts too much strain on the lower joints.It is rather a training apparatus than an apparatus for slimming.

Furthermore, a large number of fitness devices are known which can beused for the physical training of persons. In the large majority of thefitness devices that are used the training person exerts a certain forceagainst the resistance of the device or actuates certain movablecomponents. These devices, however, are solely designed for use underambient conditions.

It is further known to simulate a training at high altitudes in that thetest person is enclosed in a chamber in which there is overall a reducedpressure or at least a reduced partial pressure of oxygen. Moreover,from U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,506 and from WO-91/01162 training apparatusesare known in which the test person is located partly under water.

It is the object of the present invention to further develop theaforementioned apparatuses in order to achieve an improved slimmingeffect without putting too much strain on the legs.

It is also the object of the present invention to develop theabove-mentioned apparatus in a manner that a possibly far reachingadaptation to specially elaborated therapeutic concepts or trainingprograms is possible.

It is another object to provide a better method for the slimming ofpersons which will not put too much strain on the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objects are achieved in accordance with the invention in thatthe work-out device is enclosed by an air-tight housing having anopening which is formed for the tight enclosure of the person in thearea of the waist or below the same, and that a device for producing adifferential pressure is arranged in the housing or is connected withthe same. This differential pressure can principally concern either apressure below or above atmospheric.

It has surprisingly been found that a considerably improved trainingeffect can be achieved by subjecting large areas of the body of thetraining person to a pressure below atmospheric. This effect makes itpossible that the physical exercise may be reduced without any drawbackson the slimming effect. However, there is a negative effect of the lowpressure on the breathing function if the pressure below atmosphericencompasses also the thorax. It is best to subject the person to apressure below atmospheric from the waist down. It is assumed that theapparatus in accordance with the invention is based on a similareffective mechanism as the treatment by cupping, which is largely usedin Chinese medicine. It is most beneficial if the sealing occurs in thewaist region of the person. In principle it is also possible to providea sealing below the waist, e.g. on the legs, so that only these aresubject to the pressure below atmospheric.

The pressure range in which the work-out takes place with the deviceaccording to the invention correspond substantially to ambientconditions as they occur naturally in various regions of the world. Areduction of the pressure by 0.1 bar over ambient conditions has provedto be most beneficial. A reduction of 0.2 bar would currently beregarded as a useful upper limit. The endurableness of the pressurebelow atmospheric also depends on the speed of the lowering of thepressure. A slower reduction improves the endurableness for the testperson.

It is assumed that the special efficacy of the apparatus in accordancewith the invention is based on the fact that by the uneven distributionof the pressure over the body surface there is a shifting of the tissueliquids in the body. This increases both the blood flow as well as thelymph liquid in the outer skin and in the subcutaneous fatty tissue inthe respective skin sections. As a result of the simultaneouslyperformed movement the lymph liquid is conveyed off and the skin issimultaneously repeatedly supplied with nutritive blood. In the end thiscauses a regenerative impulse for the skin tissue, which subsequentlyalso leads to a digestion of the adipose cells. In this way there is animprovement for the figure in addition to the training effect. Aparticularly advantageous aspect is that this effect occurs in thecritical regions of the lower abdomen, the hips and the thighs.

In this way the present invention differs substantially from the knownforms of the so-called hypoxy training, which simulates training at highaltitudes. In such a form of training the blood improves its absorbingcapacity for oxygen, which in the end leads to an improvement in theperformance in stamina area. However, as in such a form of training andtreatment the reduced pressure acts evenly over the entire bodyincluding the lungs, the effects of the present invention cannot beachieved.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention a pressure increase isperformed during the work-out of the person instead of a pressurereduction. In this way blood and tissue liquids are converselytransferred from the legs into the upper part of the body and enrichedthere more strongly with oxygen and nutrients. Following a pressurebalance these bodily fluids return to the lower part of the body, whichcauses the aforementioned regenerative impulse. It is theoreticallypossible to change over once or several times during a training unitfrom pressure below atmospheric to pressure above atmospheric andvice-versa. This helps to achieve a particularly intensive exchange ofthe matter and liquid within the body.

The apparatus of the present invention cannot only be used as a meretraining device, but also as a medical device, e.g. as an ergometer withwhich the physical powers of a person can be determined.

The above objects are also achieved by an apparatus for the slimming ofpersons that comprises a housing in which a working device operable bythe legs and a seat for supporting the body of the person are arranged,an opening in the housing said opening surrounding the person's body, asealing collar for sealing the housing in the area of the openingagainst the person's body, and a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum inthe housing. Moreover, the invention comprises a method of physicaltraining of persons.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that at least onefurther chamber is provided in the area of the opening, which is sealedagainst the person by means of a further sealing collar and whoseinternal pressure can be adjusted independent of the internal pressurein the first chamber.

The vacuum in the chamber exerts a local and a systemic effect on theperson operating the working unit in the apparatus. The extent of thesystemic effect is, however, different in the area of the extremitiescompared to the area of the trunk. Moreover, the local conditions, suchas the build-up of fatty tissue, are different. By the adjustment ofdiffering pressure levels this fact can be optimally taken into account.It is especially favorable that the pressure conditions during theduration of an exercising unit may have a differing temporal course sothat a plurality of parameters may be optimized independent from oneanother.

Furthermore, it turned out to be favorable that the first sealing collaris provided for sealing the area of the person's hip, whereas the secondsealing collar is provided for sealing the area of the person's thorax.The second sealing collar will preferably be pulled up to the area belowthe person's axillae. Thus, the abdominal portion and a large part ofthe thorax can be influenced separately.

For a simple transport and the set-up in a fitness studio, which areoften not very spacious, the apparatus shall, in an advantageous design,be formed especially compact. This object is solved according to theinvention in that the housing is formed as a round body, in particularin the shape of an egg.

The design of the housing as a round body on the one hand provides anespecially compact structural shape, and at the same time the round bodyreveals the best properties to contain a pressure above or belowatmospheric. In this configuration, a high stability is obtained even ifthe wall thickness is relatively thin. The use of thin wall thicknessesalso has an advantageous effect on the manufacturing costs and theweight of the apparatus.

It turned out to be especially advantageous that the housing can bedivided into half shells, wherein each half shell comprises a part ofthe opening that are joined by means of a locking system. Thedivisibility of thee apparatus enables the easy transport of theapparatus also for instance through narrow door openings. A quick actinglocking system enables a quick disassembly and assembly of theapparatus.

At the same time, the form of the apparatus in two halves, each of whichcomprising a part of the opening, enables a simple entering theapparatus, since the two parts can for instance be moved apart forentering the apparatus.

Furthermore, it turned out to be advantageous if a portion of thehousing at the opening is formed as a door element. This enables a verysimple entering and exiting of the apparatus. It is conceivable to formthe door element as an element that can be folded downwards and toarrange stair elements on the side folded down in order to furtherfacilitate the entry.

The person preferably sits in the housing, so that the working musclesin the legs are not subjected to the body weight but can be exercisedwith only a light loading of the joints in the leg.

According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the seat can beadjusted in height to support the person. This adjustment in heightenables to position the person, if needed, deeper in the apparatus, e.g.for treating abdominal and hip problems, or higher, e.g. if only thelegs and the buttock is to be treated.

According to another preferred embodiment, the opening is arranged onthe side, and a lounger means extends through the opening into thehousing, wherein the person lies during the physical exercise. The lyingposition relieves the buttock from the body weight and enables trainingwith minimum stress on the joints. At the same time, the lying positionconsiderable releases the stress on the cardiovascular system and allowsfor the blood in the legs to easily circulate although the skin tissueis subjected to low pressure. This effect is enhanced the higher thelegs are lifted above the body.

It may be advantageous if the lounger means is longitudinallydisplaceable within the housing. Thereby, the training is enabled invarious positions. On the one hand, an aimed effect on the legs and thebuttock and on the other hand on the abdomen and the hips may berealized.

It turned out to be favorable if the seat is arranged on the lounger.The seat prevents a slipping into the vacuum chamber caused by thesuction force of the vacuum.

Furthermore, supporting means for the shoulders of the person arearranged on the lounger. The shoulder support protects the person fromslipping out during the overpressure phase or when the position islowered.

It turned out to be favorable if the sealing collar is formed as aninflatable sealing ring and seals the opening against the lounger meansand the person. An inflatable seal ring optimally adapts to therespective person and seals the opening in particular also between theopening and the lounger.

The sealing collar is preferably formed as a vacuum cover. Vacuum coversof that type exist in various sizes so that it can easily be adapted tothe size or figures of the respective person, i.e. abdominal, waist orhip diameter. The vacuum cover is taken on by the person outside theapparatus and is then pulled onto a sealing ring of the opening.

It is especially favorable if the working means is formed as a stepper,a room bicycle or an ellipse trainer. These working devices can beoperated in sitting and lying position. The seat in the embodiment as astepper serves for supporting the body so that a high pressure does nothave to be exerted onto the legs. In case of an embodiment as an ellipsetrainer, the legs are relieved from the body weight and only the suctionforce acts onto the legs.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the working means is drivenby an electromotor and is braked by the body power of the person.

This also enables a passive operation in which an especially preciseadjustment of the load of the person can be performed.

Moreover, it may be provided that a control means is arranged outsidethe housing. In this manner, the apparatus can easily be operated by theperson or by assisting persons. Via a terminal having operating unitsand at least one display connected to the control means, the trainingperson may call and have displayed all values of the current operatingcondition of the apparatus according to the invention as well asphysiologic values, e.g. the pressure, the treading frequency, the workdone and to be done, heart rate, blood pressure. Moreover, the trainingperson may program the exercise conditions via the terminal. In order toobtain a favorable accessibility of the terminal, this terminal isarranged on a movable arm.

According to a further embodiment, it turned out to be favorable if thehousing contains at least one additional pressure chamber which may havea pressure different to that in the main chamber. The additional chambermay be arranged in the area of the trunk, in particular in the area ofthe abdomen of the person. Thus, it is possible to exert a differentpressure onto different body parts. The second chamber may already bearranged within the housing or it may be applied to the person outsidethe housing. For instance the second chamber enables an overpressureeffect onto the abdomen, whereas the legs are exposed to a vacuumeffect, or vice versa.

Another embodiment provides that magnetic coils are arranged in at leastone chamber to generate a magnetic field in the area of the person. Themagnetic coils may for instance encompass the abdomen or the legs of theperson. In this manner, magnetic fields for supporting the therapeuticaleffect can be used.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if light sources for irradiating personsare provided in at least one chamber. Rays of different wave lengths,including infrared and ultraviolet rays, can be supplied via opticalfibers. The irradiation can be directed in an aimed manner onto certainbody regions.

An essential influence can furthermore be achieved in that an airconditioning means for adjusting the temperature and the air moisture isprovided. The selectivity of the application is increased in that theair conditioning means may air condition each individual chamberindependent from the other chamber.

Furthermore, a first vacuum pump for evacuating the main chamber and avacuum pump for each further chamber may be provided. In this manner thelargest possible independence when controlling the vacuum is achieved.

An inexpensive alternative of this embodiment can be achieved in thatone single vacuum pump exists which is connected to each individualchamber via separate pressure control valve.

Furthermore, the invention provides a method for physical exercise bymeans of an apparatus, comprising a housing in which a working meansoperable by the legs and a seat for supporting the person's body isarranged, an opening in the housing, said opening surrounding theperson's body, a sealing collar for sealing the housing in the area ofthe opening against the person's body, and a vacuum pump for generatinga vacuum in the housing, wherein first of all a treading motion isexerted onto the working means and then the switch-on of the vacuum pumpis activated offset in time.

Furthermore, it may be provided that the lowering of the pressure isadapted to the circulatory system of the person. For this purpose, adevice is integrated into the apparatus according to the invention,which besides the pulse rate also measures the blood pressure and/or therespiratory rate and/or the heart rate of the training person and whichoutputs this in the form of signals. In a further development of theinvention, these measuring devices may be connected to the control unitin a data-transmitting manner, said control unit controlling theexercise in accordance with the measured physical load values. In anautomatic control it has proven to be especially favorable to underliethe pulse rate or the heart rate. For this purpose, the training personmay for instance wear a pulse belt etc. which is connected to thecontrol means and which determines the training program on the basis ofthe data received.

It also turned out to be advantageous when the vacuum is lowered atpredetermined intervals in predetermined time intervals.

Furthermore, it is advantageous when after reaching a predeterminedmaximum vacuum, a permanent switching over between the normal pressureand the vacuum in predetermined time intervals is generated.

It is advantageous when the treading resistance and/or the vacuum arecontrolled in accordance with the pulse rate of the person.

Furthermore, the treading resistance and the interval switching may becoupled with one another.

It becomes clear from the above-mentioned facts that the method consistsof an adaptation of treading resistance, treading motion and vacuumeffect by constantly taking the person's pulse rate into consideration.

At the beginning of the slimming procedure, only a treading motion takesplace, while normal pressure prevails in the housing. After thebeginning of the treading motion, the pump is switched on and a vacuumis generated. In this manner it is prevented that a vacuum effect takesplace without a treading motion, since otherwise the blood is drawn intothe legs because of the vacuum, but it is not returned sufficiently bythe action of the muscles. This effect could lead to an insufficientsupply of blood in the brain and to unconsciousness. Therefore, theslimming device according to the invention is equipped with a monitoringmeans is provided, which monitors the treading motion and whichinterrupts the power supply to the vacuum pump or opens one or aplurality of valves in the vacuum portion when a treading motion isinterrupted for a predetermined period of time.

The treading resistance is preferably adapted to the respective personand is adjusted specially. When treating problem parts of the body inthe area of the thighs, the treading resistance is for instance set to0.8 to a maximum of 1.2 Watts per kilogram body weight. In this case,the seat position in the housing is set to the high position. Whentreating problem parts in the area of the hip, the treading resistanceis set to at least 1 to a maximum of 2 Watts per kilogram body weight.In this case, the person takes a deep seat position so that the abdomenand the hips are subjected to the vacuum effect.

In order to obtain an optimal effect, a regular treading motion isrequired. 50 to 70 revolutions per minute turned out to be especiallysuitable.

As already described, the first minutes are tread without the effect ofthe vacuum in order to stimulate the circulatory system. This firstphase takes about 3 minutes. Then, the atmospheric pressure in theapparatus is lowered to 10 millibar and is then lowered every 4 to 5minutes by further 5 to 10 millibar. The lowering of the pressure aswell as the time intervals are adapted to the circulatory system of theperson. In case of persons have a stable circulatory system, the vacuumis raised between 30 and a maximum of 50 millibar, in case of personshaving a weak circulatory system, the range is 20 to 25 millibar.

If a vacuum of 20 millibar is reached, the interval switching starts.During this interval switching, a permanent change between loweredpressure and normal pressure takes place in the apparatus. An increasedpressure instead of a normal pressure could also be exerted.

The intervals are adapted to the respective person and are usuallywithin a period of 10 to 90 seconds sucking followed by 10 to 30 secondsventilation and 10 to 90 seconds overpressure, respectively.

The interval switching can also be coupled with the treading resistance.While the vacuum acts on the person the treading resistance isincreased. If the housing is ventilated, the treading resistancereduces. The reversed coupling can be chosen according to the respectiveperson's need.

Since the vacuum represents a load of the circulatory system, thetreading resistance and the vacuum must be reduced when the pulse rateis too high.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now explained in closer detail by reference to theembodiments shown in the drawings. In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with theinvention in a sectional view,

FIG. 2 shows sealing elements in a top view and

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention in a sectional viewpursuant to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 diagrammatically shows an axonometric view of an apparatusaccording to the invention for use while sitting,

FIG. 5 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 in a partially cut view,

FIG. 6 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 with a additional means forentry help,

FIG. 7 shows a sketch for operating the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 to 6,

FIGS. 8 and 9 show two alternative circuit diagrams for carrying out theinvention,

FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic view of a further apparatus according tothe invention for use in lying position in a sectional view,

FIG. 11 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 10 in folded condition,

FIG. 12 shows the apparatus shown in FIG. 10, wherein a person is lyingin the apparatus,

FIG. 13 shows the apparatus shown in FIGS. 12 in folded condition,

FIG. 14 shows the apparatus shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 in inclinedcondition, and

FIG. 15 shows the apparatus shown in FIGS. 10 to 14 in an exploded view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The apparatus pursuant to FIG. 1 consists substantially of a housing 1of an air-tight design in which an exercise bicycle 2 is arrangedconsisting of pedals 3, a drive belt 4 and a flywheel 5 which is brakedby a braking apparatus not shown in detail. A seat 6 is provided for theperson actuating the apparatus. Moreover, a vacuum pump 7 is arranged inthe housing, which pump discharges air from the interior of the housing1 through an opening 8 to the outside. An opening 9 is arranged in theupper zone of the housing 1, which comprises two displaceable lidportions 10 a, and 10 b which are sealed off with respect to the housing1 by means of seals 11. Sealing elements 12 a, 12 b are provided on theupper side of the lid portions 10 a and 10 b which are made up of rubberso as to sealingly enclose the waist of the person actuating theapparatus. The lid portions 10 a, 10 b are pushed apart in order toallow the entry into the apparatus from above. Alternatively, there canalso be arranged an entrance opening on the side or the housing may beentirely arranged in two parts in order to allow a particularly simpleentry into the apparatus. Thereafter, all openings are closed in orderto ensure an air-tight occlusion of the inner chamber of the housing 1from the outside environment. The sealing elements 12 a, 12 b shouldenclose the test person's waist as tightly as possible. Thereafter apredetermined pressure below atmospheric is produced in the interior ofthe housing 1 by means of the vacuum pump 7.

It is obvious for the man skilled in the art that this pressure belowatmospheric is regulated accordingly and is adjustable according to therespective needs.

In an alternative embodiment, it may not only be provided that air issucked off via the vacuum pump 7, but that also in a well-defined mannerair is supplied from the ambient environment in order to producepredetermined climatic conditions such as temperature, humidity and thelike in the interior of housing 1. This is not shown in the presentfigures.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 is distinguished from the embodiment of FIG. 1in that a pump 7 a is arranged outside of box 1 and is connected withthe same via a line 8 a. This allows reducing the operating noise of theapparatus. The pump is provided with a design that allows changing overso as to produce both a pressure below atmospheric and a pressure aboveatmospheric in box 1.

A stepper 2 a is arranged in box 1, which stepper is actuated by theindicated test person 20. An air valve 14 and a barometric measuringdevice 15 for the pressure within the box are provided on the upper sideof the box. A door 13 is arranged at the front side of the box 1 forentering the apparatus. The seat 6 a is vertically adjustable viarotation of threaded support 6 b, and the waist of a person using theapparatus is surrounded by a sealing (closure) means 12 c.

The apparatus as shown in FIGS. 4–6 comprises a housing 101 encompassinga main chamber 102 in which a seat 103 is arranged on a shifting rail104. Furthermore, a working means in the form of a room bicycle 105 isarranged in the main chamber 102, the room bicycle being drivable by anelectromotor 106. Operating openings 111 that can be locked in anair-tight manner for instance enable to attach the legs of a person,that is handicapped in moving, from the outside to the pedals of theroom bicycle 105.

A box 107 is connected to the chamber 102, which includes a vacuumpump—not shown in detail—and a control means for controlling theadditional functions that will now be described.

Air can be sucked off via an opening 108 in order to generate a vacuum.A further opening 109 serves for air conditioning, i.e. in particularfor cooling the main chamber 102 and for adjusting the air moisture.

Light sources 110 serve for irradiating the legs of the person using theapparatus. Magnetic coils 112 are provided for building up atherapeutically advantageous magnetic field in the area of the person'slegs.

An entry door 113 opening towards the bottom enables an easy access intothe apparatus. The entry door 113 is arranged in the area of the opening108. In the unfolded state it may be provided that the entry door in thearea visible in the unfolded condition has elevations that may be usedby the person using the apparatus as a stairway, which enables an easierentry.

As may in particular be seen from FIG. 6, it is possible to liftdisabled persons by means of an entry help in the form of a crane 114into the apparatus. In this case the person is indicated by referencenumeral 115.

A further chamber 116 is arranged above the main chamber 102, saidfurther chamber being formed by a cylindrical extension 117. An opening118 is formed in the area of the transition of the housing 101 to theextension 117, said opening having a sealing collar 119 through whichthe chamber 102 is sealed against the person 115 in the area of the hip.The sealing collar 119 can be provided in the form of panties having twoopenings for the person's legs.

A further sealing collar 120 serves for sealing the further chamber 116against the body in the upper portion of the thorax. A further magneticcoil 121 is provided to generate a magnetic field in the thorax area.The further chamber 116 cannot only be loaded by pressure separate fromthe main chamber 102, but it can also be ventilated separately and hasits own light sources.

Handles 122 serve for supporting the person and for accommodating adisplay unit 123.

In FIG. 7 a person 124 is shown who attaches the legs of a person 115 atthe working means 105 through operating openings. In particulars, incase of disabled people it may prove to be especially advantageous ifthe working means is provided with foot attachments so that the feet areheld at the working means.

As shown in FIG. 8, a first line 120 leads out of the main chamber 102and a second line 121 leads from the further chamber 116 to a first orsecond pressure control valve 122, 123. A vacuum pump 124 is arranged atthe downstream side of the pressure control valves 122, 123 to evacuatethe chambers 102 and 116. A control means 125 controls the pressurecontrol valves 122, 123 and the vacuum pump 124. In this manner, therespective desired pressure is set in the chambers 102 and 116.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from that shown in FIG. 8 in thatan independent vacuum pump 124 a and 124 b is provided for each chamber102 and 116, the vacuum pumps being separately driveable by the controlmeans 125.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 10 to 14. Theapparatus shown in these Figures is a training apparatus that is to beused by the respective person in a lying position.

In the description of the drawings the same components are designated bythe same reference numerals as in FIG. 4 to 9.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 10 consists of a housing 101 whichencompasses a main chamber 102. A working means in the form of a roombicycle 105 is arranged within this main chamber 102. The housing 101 isarranged in such a manner that the opening 108 is located at the side ofthe housing so that the opening encompasses the person using theapparatus in a lying position. A lounger means 130 extends into thehousing through the opening 108. The lounger means 130 can be moved todifferent positions within the housing via a frame 131 having a lockelement arranged within the housing and extending through the opening108 out of the housing 101 and which engages the lower side of thelounger means 130. This configuration allows an adaptation of the areaof the body that is exposed to the pressure. If the lounger is placed inthe leftmost position in FIG. 10, the pressure acts only on the legs andthe buttock; if the lounger is placed in the rightmost position, thepressure, in addition to acting on the legs, acts also on the abdomenand the hips. The work-out device 105 is supported by supporting meansthat allow an ergonometric adjustment to the person irrespective of theposition of the lounger. Thus, the position of the lounger may beadjusted independently of the body proportions of the person using thedevice.

A seat 103 is arranged on the lounger 130, which is formed as lock,element and which in case of use is located between the legs of theperson. In order to take the different body sizes of the trainingpersons into account, the seat is preferably displaceably arranged onthe lounger. The seat on the lounger prevents the person from beingpulled into the housing during the vacuum phase.

In order to enable an easier entry, the device, as shown in FIG. 11, mayeasily be unfolded into two half shells, wherein the two half shellelements 132 and 133 are separated from one another in the area of theopening 108.

FIG. 12 shows the apparatus when used. In this view, a person is lyingon the lounger 130, and the lounger 130 has been adjusted to the desiredposition within the housing. The person is, as already mentioned, on theone hand supported by the seat 103. The person is further secured bysupports 135 on the lounger 130, wherein the supports are arranged abovethe shoulder of the person to be treated. These supports are inparticular necessary when the lounger is tilted from the horizontalposition into another position, as for instance shown in FIG. 14. Duringcycles of high pressure, the shoulder supports keep the person frombeing pushed out of the apparatus. The lounger is configured in such away that it can be brought into any tilted position up to the verticalposition during exercise.

The shoulder supports 135 and the seat 103 form support means for thebody of the person using the apparatus. These support means maintain thebody in the selected position relative to the work-out means 5.

A control unit 134 is arranged outside the housing, and can either beoperated by the training person itself or by an assisting person. Forthis purpose, the control unit 134 is provided with an arm-like foldingmechanism to move it into different positions. In FIG. 14, it is alsoseen that, due to the jointed arm-like mechanism the person in thedevice can place the terminal 134 in such a manner that it is easilyaccessible.

To seal the person against the opening and against the lounger, it maybe provided that the person puts out an inflatable inner ring outsidethe housing, said ring being put on in the non-inflated condition, andwhich is inflated after taking the final position on the lounger. It isalso possible that the person puts on a vacuum cover, which takes thesealing role.

It is especially advantageous if various seals cooperate to realize acomplete sealing of the lounger 130 against the opening 108 and theperson against the lounger 130 and the opening 108. In this case, thearea between the lower side of the lounger means 130 and the portions ofthe opening 108 encompassing same can be sealed by a separate sealingmeans.

The modular structure of the apparatus of FIG. 10 to 14 can be derivedfrom FIG. 15. The modular structure enables a fast and flexibleadaptation to various training situations. The modular structure allowsalso easy transport and easy maintenance.

The training apparatus includes as a first module the adjustable loungerdevice comprising the lounger or rest 130 and the frame 131 as well asthe shoulder support 135 and the seat 103. The seat and the shouldersupport are longitudinally displaceably arranged on the lounger 130. Theframe 131 is substantially stationary, whereas the lounger 130 on whichthe body rests during the training, is movable with respect to the frame131, and, as stated above, can be adjusted in height, length andinclination and can be easily removed for cleaning purposes. Foradjustment, the lounger comprises adjustable feet 150 having rollers151. On its upper side, the frame is provided with latches 152, whichengage into corresponding counter-latches of the lounger 130 and whichfix it in a certain longitudinal position.

Interchangeable working devices 105 a, 105 b, 105 c are provided as asecond module, which can all be operated with a user in a lyingposition. FIG. 15 shows a stepper 105 a, a bicycle trainer 105 b and anellipsoidal trainer 105 c. The working devices 105 a–c are displaceablysupported at an adjustment means in the form of a rail 146. The workingdevices 105 a–c all comprise data and signal transmission means whichcan be connected to the control means. Moreover, the working devices 105a–c may optionally be provided with an electromotor 106.

A further module is the control means or the terminal 134, respectively.

The supply unit 155 is a further module. The devices for the airconditioning control, e.g. an air conditioning system 156, as well as apump 157 for generating a vacuum or overpressure in the chamber 102 arestored in the supply unit. The supply unit 155 consists of a housing158, which has a sound encapsulation so that as few noise as possible isgenerated during operation in rehabilitation or fitness centers.

The housing forms the last module, which is structured as stated above.The housing 101 rests on a frame 160 adjustable in height that isanchored on the ground.

Due to the modular structure, the apparatus of FIG. 10 to 14 can beconverted from a device for training in lying position into a device fortraining in sitting position as shown in FIG. 4 to 7 by exchanging onlya small number of elements. Also, the modular structure allows for themanufacturer to tailor the apparatus exactly to the needs of a costumer.

In an embodiment that is especially advantageous in this respect, thehousing is designed in a manner that it can be used for training inlying and in sitting position. For this purpose the opening must merelyturned upwards after the lounger was removed and replaced by a seat.

The apparatus shown in FIG. 10 to 15 can, as well as the device shown into FIG. 4 to 9, be equipped with additionally integrated magnetic coils,air conditioning means or light irradiation means.

In the apparatus, overpressure as well as a vacuum can be regularly orstep-like raised or lowered over a predetermined period of time. In thevarious phases of treatment, an interval circuit switches theoverpressure or vacuum in different periods of time on or off,respectively. Overpressure and vacuum may change with one another in onephase of treatment. Overpressure and vacuum may be controlled manuallyand automatically. Regarding the automatic control, it may be providedthat this control is calculated on the basis of the heart rate or theblood pressure of the person to be treated, or on the basis of thetemperature behavior in the vacuum chamber or at the surface of the skinof the training person or on the basis of the resistance of theergometer.

The present invention enables to realize an training and a therapyadapted in an improved way to the particularities of the respectiveperson.

1. An apparatus for increasing blood flow to a person's skin forregeneration of skin and digestion of adipose cells without causing anincrease of gravity effects on the person, the apparatus comprising awork-out device to be actuated with the person's legs against a treadingresistance, said work-out device being enclosed by an air-tight housing,said housing comprising an opening which is formed for a tight enclosureof the person's waist area, with a device for producing a differentialpressure connected with said housing and being arranged so as toalternatingly produce a pressure reduction and a pressure increase inthe housing, wherein, within said housing, a lounger means is arrangedto take the person's body weight off the person's legs, such that theperson will be in a substantially horizontal position on the loungermeans during exercise.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theopening is laterally arranged and wherein the lounger means extendsthrough the opening into the housing.
 3. An apparatus according to claim1, wherein the lounger means is arranged longitudinally displaceablewithin the housing.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thelounger means comprises an adjustment means for inclining the loungermeans.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a seat is arrangedon the lounger means.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, including ashoulder support on the lounger means.
 7. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the housing is divided into half shells which arejoined by a locking system, and wherein each half-shell comprises aportion of the opening.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, whereinthe work-out device is formed as one of a stepper, a room bicycle and anellipsoid trainer.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, including acontrol means outside of the housing.
 10. An apparatus according toclaim 1, including an air conditioning means for adjusting thetemperature and the air moisture within the housing.
 11. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the work-out device is displaceablysupported at an adjustment means.